VIX can be used as bear market indicator?

Larry McMillan, founder of The Option Strategist and the head of the research firm that carries his name, noted âVIX backwardation is a clear illustration of a fully fledged bear market.â Highlighting that this was the first true inversion since March â09, McMillan added that until the VIX futures curve flattens out, things will continue to look bad and the bear market will continue."

Better to think about this: as people get less confident, they shorten their duration. As they get their confidence back, duration lengthens.
Much better leading indicator of both downturns and rallies.